Zodiac iCLASS^TM Literature

Zodiac iClass^TM Reader Features:

• Portable template stored in HID iClass^TM smart card or stick-on Patch
• Same iClass^TM credential works on Zodiac and full range of iClass^TM Readers
• 26 to 64 Bit Wiegand or Magnetic Stripe output
• Wiegand line encryption option available
• User capacity of reader is unlimited
• Plug & Play installation
• No extra communication wiring
• Built-in visual and audible Indicators
• Fast, accurate and easy to use
• Quick and easy centralized enrollment
• Compatible with all access control systems

Zodiac iClass^TM Fingerprint Verification Reader

Cansec's new Zodiac iClass^TM Fingerprint Readers utilize HID's industry leading iClass^TM contactless smart cards for template storage, allowing the use of HID iClass^TM readers in locations where biometrics are not required. Zodiac allows biometrics to be seamlessly integrated into virtually all new and existing access control systems, while retaining affordability and increased security. Since Zodiac iClass^TM does not store fingerprint templates in memory or on a PC, all privacy concerns are eliminated and cost of installation is kept to a minimum.

Zodiac uses an optical sensor which is physically stronger than semiconductor-based systems in terms of impact-resistance, scratch-resistance, weather-durability, and corrosion-resistance. Physical strength is a key factor for versatile outdoor usage. Semiconductor-based systems must apply special surface treatments to protect their inherently weak surfaces. Even then, they are far weaker than Zodiac’s optical-prism strength. Will a solid state sensor stand up to the ball-point pen test ? NO !

Plug & Play Biometrics

Zodiac's unique design allows it to easily replace any conventional access control reader in minutes with no change required to the existing access control system. This is made possible by storing each user's fingerprint template in their iClass^TM smart card rather than storing it in the reader or a central database. Because templates do not have to be downloaded into every reader, no additional communication wiring is needed between readers or to a template management PC. Zodiac iClass^TM is available with standard Wiegand or Magnetic Stripe emulation allowing it to be used with virtually all access control and time & attendance systems.

BioPatch .. The Stick-On Biometric Solution

Where a user does not wish to replace their existing access control cards, the stick-on BioPatch can be easily affixed to the existing card to provide the same functionality as the contactless SmartCard. BioPatch is the ultimate solution for integrating biometrics into existing systems where re-badging is not feasible.

Not Every Door Needs Biometrics

HID’s complete line of iClass^TM readers can be used on doors that do not require biometric authentication. These readers simply extract the user's Facility Code and ID number encoded in the card and transmit the data in industry standard format, thus allowing them to be used with virtually any existing access control or time and attendance system.

Zodiac iClass^TM Enrollment Software

Zodiac Enrollment Software allows the system administrator to program the ID number of the Zodiac iClass^TM credential. This is critical when deploying the BioPatch solution as the ID number can be programmed to match the existing access card. As a result, the combined card will emulate a single access card to the host system whether it is used at a Zodiac iClass^TM or conventional reader. The Zodiac iClass^TM credential can also be programmed with two fingerprint templates. In the event that a user’s primary finger is unreadable due to injury, the alternate finger can be used. If for some unforseen reason, a user cannot be enrolled or the system administrator wishes to allow access to selected individuals without biometric authentication, a Zodiac iClass^TM credential can be placed in Bypass Mode. Users presenting a Bypass Mode credential will not be required to scan their finger. The Facility Code and ID are simply read and transmitted to the access control system.

The Zodiac iClass^TM credential can also be programmed with two fingerprint templates. In the event that a user’s primary finger is unreadable due to injury, the alternate finger can be used.

If for some unforseen reason, a user cannot be enrolled or the system administrator wishes to allow access to selected individuals without biometric authentication, a Zodiac iClassTM credential can be placed in Bypass Mode. Users presenting a Bypass Mode credential will not be required to scan their finger. The Facility Code and ID are simply read and transmitted to the access control system.

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Zodiac iClass^TM Security

To further enhance security of the Zodiac iClass^TM solution, the Enrollment Software, which is used to capture a fingerprint template and write it to the card, cannot be run without a unique Software Logon Card. The unique Logon Card also stores the Facility Code and card format that can be used by the enrollment station.

Zodiac raises the security bar by introducing the STAR module that prevents the unit from being defeated by replacing it with a conventional Wiegand reader or keypad. Zodiac is the first product of its kind to address this industry wide vulnerability inherent in virtually all biometric access control products.

Zodiac can be placed into Secure Transmission Mode (STM). When STM is enabled (via a DIP switch inside the reader), Wiegand data sent to the access control system is encrypted and sent over the standard Wiegand data lines to an optional Secure Transmission Authentication Receiver (STAR) module located inside the access control panel. The STAR module decrypts the data and relays it to the access control system in "clear Wiegand" format. With STM enabled, reader substitution attempts will fail as the resulting "clear Wiegand" data generated by the replacement device will be rejected by the STAR module.

In many security environments, it is desirable to have the Zodiac Fingerprint Readers switch modes between "card + fingerprint" and "card only" based on a schedule or level of security alert. This can be done by connecting the optional STAR module to a relay output of an existing access control system. When the STAR module is signalled to change modes, an encrypted signal is sent to the reader over the existing Wiegand cable. At the same time, the reader is placed in Secure Transmission Mode to further enhance security.

Conclusion

The unique features engineered into the total Zodiac iClass^TM solution make it the only choice for those facilities wishing to upgrade to biometrics and where security simply cannot be compromised.